memepatheias | Test Drive: January

Entry tags:

*test drive

Test Drive: January

— TEST DRIVE: JANUARY —

Welcome to

empatheias' test drive meme. This test drive is to help interested players test their characters in the game's environment. We've included a few prompts that incorporate specific elements of the game, though you'll find all of them have a lot of leeway for players to get as creative as necessary. Before diving in, here are a few things we'd like to remind everyone about the game in general:

Pre-Intro Log. For the Test Drive, we are using parts of it as a "pre- intro log," which means not only can players go ahead and use the prompts as if the character is arriving into the game for the first time, but this setting will be adapted and continue in the official Intro Log. For TDM purposes the prompts are a little more generic and vague than what will be on the actual Intro Log, but they're relatable enough that can be easily transferred to the official log with a few minor tweaks. For those who do end up applying and entering into Emp, these threads are considered "forward dated" to the Intro Log.
Date reminders. Reserves open December 25th and Applications (Canon | OC) open a week later on January 1st. Apps will only be open for four days! Because we're on a bi-monthly schedule, the next app cycle after this is MARCH.
Emotions are key! Empatheias's premise focuses on how anyone's emotions can affect their environment, be it big or small. While not every emotion will cause a reaction, significant ones definitely will. How much effect a character will have will ultimately be up to you, the player. While we're giving a lot of leeway for the test drive, keep in mind that there will be some limits in the actual game.
Everyone has an amulet. All characters have a unique amulet that is specialized for them to collect their emotions and serves as the network device. Remember, communication is telepathic, but it works basically the same as most other network devices.
First or third person allowed. Your threads can be in either first or third, but we'd advise being flexible about it. If you have a preference, be sure to specify. Remember, these threads can also be used in your application for samples! Reminder: We only require one sample and it can be done in either format.
For your threads, put the Character Name and the Canon in the subject line to help readily identify them. You're welcome to use more than one prompt for respondents to choose from. If you have any questions or want to brush up on the game information, refer to the Game Information entry. Otherwise, tag around and have fun!

PROMPTS

• Prompt A: How about giving the emotions a try? Is your character feeling particularly wound up upon finding themselves in a new place? Or perhaps they're finally getting to live out the fantasy dream and are overjoyed! Or they just stubbed their toe and are in a lot of pain. Whatever it may be, this prompt is your catchall "let's try these emotion effects out" for any miscellaneous situation you may think up.

• Prompt B: Refer to the Task Board and choose a task your character may be interested in taking up. For this prompt, you could have your character ask for help, already be in the middle of the job, or react to it in some way. Perhaps they were an unfortunate victim or want to create a job countering an existing one. You could even have a prompt making a job request. Creating jobs for the purpose of the test drive is absolutely doable.

• Prompt C: How about giving the amulets a go? Start a telepathic conversation and see how it works. Remember, the amulets are sending out the owner's thoughts so might want to be careful about how the stream of consciousness goes...

• Prompt D: It's winter in Verens, and the festivities are alive with some new gimmicks. As always, emotions come into play, so be careful where they take you! Try not to destroy the city.

Beware the Snowmen: Do you wanna build a snowman? All snowmen are affected by the emotions around them, and it doesn't take too much to make them come alive. They have imbibed different emotions around them, so you'll find lovey-dovey snowmen who have no respect for personal space, snowmen jumping up and down with joy, sad melting snowmen, and irate snowmen trying to lob their coal and carrots at you. A few snowmen have managed to get hold of murderous tendencies and will now try to kill you when you pass by. Good luck? It's kill or be killed.
Bittersweet Chocolate: For those looking for a way to warm up, many cafes have begun to offer hot chocolate which is said to be the best in all of Verens. It tastes delicious, with the right amount of sweetness...except to those who hide their true attitude or personality behind a facade. To people who aren't true to themselves, the hot chocolate will taste terrible depending on how much they conceal, not feel. It'll also burn their tongues pretty quickly no matter how long the chocolate has been sitting around.

• Prompt E: Candles of Remembrance for Selenium, a holiday for mourning and grief, are always going through different changes for each year and the prototypes are distributed to see if it works. Normally, when lit, the candles create an image of a person sorely missed, whether they are dead or still alive. But something went wrong with the candle-making process this time. Various scents and aromas were infused into the candles to help improve moods, but the complete opposite is happening.

Well, This Stinks: No images are produced from the smoke and flames, but instead, they exude horrible and disgusting smells from memory. They can range from recent events like burned cookies from last week, or the stench of a bloody battlefield from years past. The scent of the candle depends on the character lighting it, so everyone will be able to smell whatever they smell from it. It's very strong, so it's possible someone could actually feel nauseous either immediately or from prolonged exposure. But that's not all. The aroma will elicit varying feelings of regret, disgust, hatred, rage, and overdramatic despair.
Counter Whiff: On the other end, a different kind of aromatic candle is producing far more pleasing scents, but it's way too strong. It's like getting a bottle of strong, "mature" perfume shoved up one's nose. The scents from these candles have even stranger effects, such as actually knocking someone unconscious; soothing them to sleep right on the spot; or even have strange hallucinations believing that the person in front of them is the one from their memories. The candles also make those affected strangely happy with extreme exuberance, and the emotion effects from their displays of joy are just as extravagant.
Take a Walk on the Wild Side: Both candles have a troublesome side effect: their scents attract a variety of wildlife from the woods. Deer, skunks, chipmunks, foxes, all sorts of birds, you name it, they've begun to invade the city and zero in on those lighted candles, lingering around them or worse, actually taking the lit candles, which can (and will) potentially start fires. The fires can be put out normally, but strangely enough, after they go out, it is as if the affected structures and items were never burned in the first place. Now they just reek of candle scent. Attempts can be made to remove the scent, but it'll take either a lot of scrubbing or somehow creating emotions that produce a more pleasant scent.

• Prompt F: Boreas, or winter, is in the air and this month the city suffered from a number of wintery effects, partially due to the Arehtei Peromei. Some like the blizzard and mistletoe could be considered typical holiday fare. The werewolf flu sweeping the city, not so much, but that still hasn't stopped the citizens of Verens from celebrating the holiday season. [Note: Scenarios pulled from our current event, and the full details can be read here. Due to the timing, these threads cannot be carried over into the game.]

Hibernation: A despair filled blizzard has taken the town by storm, bringing a strong urge to hibernate with it. Characters with strong negative emotions will be hit the hardest, but most everyone will feel the urge to take a nap right then and there at some point. There are ways to ward off the emotionally induced drowsiness though as roving bands of carolers seek to keep people's eyes open and spirits light. In addition a number of hope infused lanterns have been strung throughout the city to guide travelers to safety and keep them from dozing off in a nearby snowbank.
Mistletoe:t's not just the snow either, the town is also plagued by a particularly invasive species of mistletoe brought to the island by Peromei. To citizens' dismay, it isn't ordinary mistletoe or even ordinary magic mistletoe. No, instead this awful plant that lurks in corners and on ceilings is influenced by a combination of Peromei's and Elios's influences to make it aggressive and mobile. It now prefers to slither around and attach itself to moving targets. Once attached to someone, it induces a terrible longing for the sort of love and affection one secretly hopes for the most -- anything from a simple hug to a mom to fuss over you to a new friend you can always have lunch with -- and it won't let go until its victim has found someone who can fulfill that longing.
Wereflu: In addition to the mistletoe and blizzard, there's also the aforementioned werewolf flu sweeping the city. Thanks to a foolish researcher, the infected are suffering partial or in some cases full transformations into wolflike creatures. The main cure for it is positive attention as like the mistletoe, the afflicted will be driven to seek it out and the more they get, the sooner they'll be back to normal. If left unchecked, it can lead to more feral aggressive behavior, so Otherworlders and natives alike have been warned to be cautious when attempting to help those affected.

• Prompt G: Make your own! It could include paper snowflakes and/or cinnamon.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[By the look of mild astonishment on her face when he presents the weapon to her, no. A head shake to further confirm it as she looks over the rifle. It reminded her of a crossbow, but not quite. There are no arrows, so what does it fire instead?

"Work how?" While Amaya preferred the frontlines, she's not against learning about other weapons, in case she ever found herself without her trusted shield and sword.]

[Seeing no harm in showing her, he readjusts the rifle to be properly held and explains the general mechanisms. Obviously he won't show her everything about this particular weapon, but using the trigger and bullets are no big deal.

...Plus he actually enjoys talking about guns, so while his speech is methodical and thorough like always, it's also a bit more relaxed.]

If you're familiar with archery and crossbows, it's a more advanced version of that. Rather than bows or bolts, it uses bullets as ammunition. [He opens the cartridge and pulls out one of the bullets used for Flamek. Even if specialized, the casing is more or less similar to general ones.] Most bullets contain gunpowder, a type of compact explosive that will burst upon hitting the target. [Implying other types of materials could be used instead.

After closing the cartridge and hearing the click that it's locked and secured, he then turns it on its side to show the trigger.]

To fire, you pull on the trigger. [He just lightly taps it for obvious reasons.] Depending on the gun you can fire multiple rounds before reloading the weapon.

Edited 2019-12-28 22:50 (UTC)

. . . [She doesn't even sign her thoughts as they show a large barrel of explosives, shrinking into a tiny bullet shape object when he explains the ammunition to her. That's so mind blowing to her, literally! A glow appears around her head at this enlightening information as she nods.

"No, magic?" At least, that is her assumption, because it does look like something humans could invent if given the proper schematics and equipment.]

[He can't help but note the sudden glow around her head, and at first he frowns a little in confusion before he remembers about the strange effects of this world. It seems she feels enlightened? It appears a positive reaction, at least.

There's a few seconds of silence as he considers how to answer this.]

Most weapons and bullets are not, just mechanical. However it is possible to supplement either with powers and magic for stronger effects.

[She nods and signs a "Thank you". She seem pleased to learn about an invention that isn't reliant on magic, something any person could use. Is it honestly so bad that humans can't use magic, Viren....?

Her expression turns more neutral as she signs a new message. "I will cover you, when the time comes."]

[...Hm. There's a very small upturn of the corner of his mouth.]

Shouldn't that be my line?

[Since he's long ranged, usually he's the one covering for the frontlines.]

But I'll be counting on it.

[It's...admittedly a bit difficult for him to fully trust a stranger on a mission, especially one he has no idea about her skills or experience. He has enough confidence that it's likely he'll be the one helping her out than the other way around. However, he will place the appropriate amount of trust as they are working together, and at least she's not like certain other people he's worked with. He still has to withhold judgment, but it feels like they may be able to work well together.

Of course that will be revealed in due time.

But sensing the topic over and glancing at the passing daylight, he reholsters his weapon and turns down the road towards the slums.]

Let's go.

[She blinks, and then smirks at him. "Be my ears" it was a valid request, but something about the way she smiles while signing the message seem like a tease as well.

The continue on to gather what information they can get from the locals. Where was the Crumpus last seen? In what direction was it going once the night has ended? How did it fight? Anything that would eventually narrow the perimeter of the slums.

"Two exits." She points to two locations she's written down that kept coming up. "Sewers, forest." One had an entrance to the sewers, another area was near the forest.]

[...Again with the ears... Well she's deaf so that makes sense. But...the way she's smiling...

...

...She's not referencing his ears is she.

He's had a few stares and questions about them since arriving, but he pretty much ignored it. Now that the thought has crossed his mind, however, there's just a slight frown. Slight. There's no point in addressing a trivial thing right now, so he'll just leave it at that.

Instead he focuses on gathering information, taking the lead in verbally asking the questions and glancing over to Amaya in case she has thoughts or follow-ups for him to convey. Once they've gathered all they could and procured the necessary alcohol, he glances over at her notes.]

It's possible it alternates its way in and out, or it could use one and then leave through the other. If it's trying to be stealthy, the sewers would be a more optimal choice to sneak into the city... However it's trying to target those that reside on the perimeter, then the forest.

[Hum. So it's a matter of how daring it feels like.]

What was the number between the two and most recent? [Was one area in particular higher than the other or a trend they could follow?]

["Almost equal." Her brows furrow, thinking. They could split up and cover both entrances, then contact the other if they see it. The distance isn't too far to cover...

After a moment though, her eyes widen when she comes to a realization. "The kidnapped?" She points in the direction of the forest. Was that where it was taking the missing?]

[Immediately understanding, he looks over at the forest and then to the sky. They don't have too much longer until night falls, but if they can find the place then they can clear everything in one fell swoop. So he nods, eyes narrowing.]

It's a likely possibility. [And preferable to trekking into the sewers..........] Let's quickly gather any information about any potential information about the area.

[She glances toward the sky. Did they have time to gather that information? She raises her hand to tell him to hold for one moment so she could think about this. She then starts to sign a longer message. "Not much time. We find and stop it now while sun is up, or wait and follow it back after sunset."

With what time they have, now is the best time to stop the monster before it sets foot in town. Unfortunately, the latter option is more plausible based on the information they have right now. The forest is too large a place to search aimlessly.]

[There's a soft click of his tongue, a flash of irritation crossing his features. He knew it would be tough, so he can't really disagree with her words, but to try and scout such a large area...

After some thought, he lets out a small breath.]

Let's head to the entrance. There should be some tracks we should be able to find.

[It wouldn't be the first time he had to do a difficult tracking mission, and perhaps his own enhanced, trained senses may pick up something.]

[She raises a brow, considering what he's proposing.] . . . [There's a slow nod, trusting his confidence. They make their way to the entrance of the forest where most of the sightings have been reported. It won't take them long to notice some pretty obvious evidence by the broken branches and flatten grass.

She blinks and quietly hums to herself. "This might work." Guess this crumpus isn't as subtle as she previously thought.]

[Eustace is silent as he makes his way through, carefully pushing through the brush with his eyes trained on the ground. At some point he kneels down to pick up what looks like fragments of glass before he can see some bottles by a tree. He holds it up to her.]

It seems he's careless when drunk. This should go faster than expected.

[Without moving his eyes continue to note the signs, both obvious and subtle, until his face turns into a direction. Without saying another word he rises and walks, following that almost invisible trail deeper into the forest.]

[She sees the glass, acknowledging it. She carefully follows the same path as him, ensuring not to disturb any possible evidence he has yet to find. All the while, she's keeping an eye out for any possible attack. As Eustace picks up the pace, Amaya rests a hand on the hilt of her sword and moves quickly.

Eustace may start to hear something snoring a ways ahead. Strangely, even as it gets louder, nothing comes into view that looks anything like a monster.]

[With his sensitive, well trained ears, he picks up the snoring far sooner than one might expect, his hand already shifting to his gun and he glances over at Amaya, his other hand raised and eyes shifting to signal her.

Once he can see some kind of shadow, he holds up his hand to motion for her to stop so that he can scout ahead. When he quietly approaches...his body visibly relaxes, but only marginally. Not risking making noise, he'll be sending her message telepathy. However he considers his options. ...Would she be able to process speech...? Textual may be better.

This isn't something he's really had much practice with, but no time like the present. Time to concentrate.]

It's a human, passed out drunk. It could either be a local or one of the victims.

[At his signal, she comes to a stop. She slowly draws her sword, bringing her shield forward as Eustace walks on ahead. She's ready just in case, keeping Eustace in her view while she watches their surroundings. When Eustace visibly relaxes, she blinks when a text message suddenly appears in her mind. The confusion passes once she registers what's happening and she quietly sighs. She keeps her sword and shield out, coming forward to join him.

As she was about to send him a response, she notice something odd beneath her. A shadow growing larger.] -!! [She quickly rolls to the side as something massive lands right where she had stood. A large goatlike creature, holding a large bag that was presumably meant to capture her. It rears it's head, turning to face her.]

Found it. [She huffs, putting a shield between them and taunts the beast. It's back should be to Eustace so he has a clear shot.]

[Guess they didn't need the alcohol.

Eustace also notices the shadow and moves at the same time she does, spinning and unholstering his weapon as he does. One might think it overkill to use a rifle at close range, but he doesn't know how strong this creature is, so no point in taking a risk. At least at this distance, even with his precise aim, he has no danger in hitting Amaya.

So unheard to the woman, there's a loud BANG as he fires two rounds right into the creature's back. Even if its hide is tough and survives such powerful shots, the force alone should at least make it stagger and give Amaya an opportunity to come in from the front.]

[More for them later. The crumpus roars (bleats?) as it staggers forward. She registers that Eustace had made his move and charges forward to ram her shield into the beast while the opportunity presents itself. The force knocks it backwards and she tries to follow-up with her sword.

Crumpus continues to fall backwards, her sword just scrapping flesh, but doesn't cut through. Whether intentional or not from the falling motion, it sends a kick in her direction. She spots it in time to bring up her shield as she's knocked backwards, skidding in the dirt. Crumpus just rolls in the dirt for a moment before hobbling back onto it's feet. It didn't seem focused or steady on it's feet. It was probably still hung over from the night before. Evenso, the thing was clearly built to take heavy hits.

They probably need to knock it out somehow, or....she glances at the large bag the Crumpus had abandoned. Hmm.]

[A shot of electricity would easily stun it, but this isn't the ideal situation. It's better if Amaya had a little more distance, and then there's the unconscious sod that's kind of in the way.

Still, there's enough room to maneuver and he can still fire a few more rounds, aiming at the shoulders and lower back as he continues to move to keep its back to him and unbalanced.

If Amaya has an idea, she's welcome to go for it!]

[Eustace may have to distract it for a bit, long enough for her to grab that bag. The next time Crumpus stumbles, she rushes forward and swings her shield through it's legs to knock it over again. She then takes this opportunity to grab the bag and then force it over the Crumpus' head.

It roars being suddenly caught in eternal darkness. She pulls on the strings to tighten the bag around it's neck. She'll be going for a ride though as the monster gets back up and swings around to try and get her off.]

[WELL......

That's not what he expected. The use of the bag was creative and a good one, but she's in trouble now. His gun no longer an option, he quickly holsters it and sidesteps when she's swung his way before lunging in. He times his movements to first slam his elbow into its chest and then duck low for a sweeping kick on the Crumpus's stumbling feet to send it back down. Hopefully Amaya won't get crushed under.]

[It worked out better in her head! She hangs on tightly as Crumpus swirls around, trying to get her off, trying to attack Eustace. She feels the monster start to fall backwards, so she pushes herself around the other side to avoid becoming a pancake. Using that momentum as they fall together, she draws out her shield and slams it down where the gap locks it's neck in place.

She keeps pushing down on the shield, forcing Crumpus to sink into the earth as far as she can before being grabbed and tossed like a rag doll. She'll live through that. At least Crumpus won't be getting up anytime soon and seem to be gagging for air inside that bag.]

[Eustace will ensure that it stays down by slamming his foot down on its chest, the muzzle of his gun back out and pressing against its neck. Though he's debating if he should bother keeping it alive to find out the hostages or just kill it right now. He'll hold it for now.

Glancing over at Amaya, he voices:]

Are you all right?

[Before remembering she can't hear him and may not be looking, so it's repeated through the telepathy.]

[She's getting back on her feet when the message pops up. She grins making a sign.]

Just a tumble. [Her attention returns to trapped Crumpus. Her expression turn serious as she looks puzzled at Eustace. Why didn't he take it out?]

Test Drive: January

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